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Mushroom poisoning in children: liver MDCT findings in three cases
Banu Cakir1, Ismail Kirbas, Belma Cevik
1Radiology Department, Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Fevzi Cakmak Caddesi 10.sokak No. 45, Bahcelievler, Ankara, 06490, Turkey. banutopcu@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Wild mushroom poisoning occurs quite frequently in Turkey, usually during late summer and autumn when climatic conditions favour fungal growth. We report the MDCT findings of the liver in three children after mushroom poisoning. In all three patients, precontrast MDCT findings showed diffuse reduction of hepatic attenuation compared with the spleen. Contrast-enhanced MDCT images showed homogeneous contrast enhancement of the liver. All three patients recovered after medical treatment. A follow-up precontrast MDCT examination was performed in one patient in whom the density of the liver parenchyma had returned to normal.
Insights
Wild mushroom poisoning is common in Turkey, often affecting children. MDCT scans revealed reduced liver density in poisoned children, which normalized after treatment, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Toxicology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Wild mushroom poisoning is a frequent occurrence in Turkey, particularly during late summer and autumn.
- Climatic conditions during these seasons favor the growth of fungi, increasing the risk of accidental ingestion.
- Identifying the specific mushroom species is often challenging, complicating treatment and diagnosis.
Observation:
- This study reports the multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) findings of the liver in three pediatric patients diagnosed with wild mushroom poisoning.
- Precontrast MDCT scans in all three patients demonstrated a diffuse reduction in hepatic attenuation when compared to the splenic parenchyma.
- Contrast-enhanced MDCT images revealed a homogeneous enhancement pattern of the liver following contrast administration.
Findings:
- The key finding was the characteristic hypodensity of the liver parenchyma on precontrast MDCT in children with mushroom poisoning.
- This finding suggests a specific pattern of hepatic injury or altered perfusion secondary to mushroom toxins.
- Resolution of this finding on follow-up MDCT after successful medical treatment confirms the transient nature of the observed changes.
Implications:
- MDCT imaging, particularly the assessment of hepatic attenuation, can be a valuable tool in the diagnosis of wild mushroom poisoning in children.
- Early recognition of these radiological findings may prompt timely medical intervention and improve patient outcomes.
- Further research could explore the specific toxins responsible for these MDCT findings and their correlation with clinical severity.